MotoGP Performance Riding New 2nd Edition!Official MotoGP book, the second edition of this practical guide to motorcycle racing technique, aimed at racing and track day enthusiasts at all levels, has been expanded to include extra information as well as many new photographs and up-to-date quotes from MotoGP stars

Monterey, CA May 15th - Former adversaries SCRAMP and the International Speedway Corporation (ISC) have come together to file a joint bid seeking the next contract to serve as promoters for Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
"SCRAMP has reached an agreement with International Speedway Corporation to work jointly on a response to Monterey County's Request for Proposal process for long-term concession management of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca," SCRAMP said in a release.

"ISC's national scale and financial expertise combined with SCRAMP's operational knowledge and many local charitable relationships create a unique synergy providing for the facility's long-term stability. We believe strongly that together we can position Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for success in today's competitive racing environment."

SCRAMP, which has promoted and run the track since 1957, and began reporting to the Monterey Board of Supervisors since 1974, came under fire from the county last year as the board sought a new promoter for the renowned facility. ISC came forward as an interested party, but soon withdrew from the board's search process.
ISC, which is part of NASCAR's empire, is said to have contacted SCRAMP after exiting the process last year, and from those conversations, a new working relationship has been established.
"It is a 'best of both worlds' situation," a SCRAMP representative told RACER.

The county signed a new deal with SCRAMP for 2016 and relaunched another search with the stated goal of inking a long-term contract for 2017 and beyond. SCRAMP has been one of a handful of potential promoters involved in the bidding process, and on Tuesday, the board approved a new process that would not require the collection of formal submissions from all parties prior to evaluating their merits and choosing the best from the group.

With the board now allowing direct negotiation with interested parties, the tenure and local expertise offered by SCRAMP, and strength and reputation of ISC, could present the best combined package for the county to consider.
A final decision on the track's future promoter is expected by October.

American Motorcyclist Association Road Race Grand Championship Set For July 1-3 at Road America
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The country's top amateur road racers will compete to clinch American Motorcyclist Association National No. 1 plates at the 2016 AMA Road Race Grand Championship at Road America in Plymouth, Wis., on July 1-3.

"The AMA Road Race Grand Championship draws top amateur- and expert-licensed road racers throughout the nation every year," said AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant. "Competitors of various ages will face off in several classes, competing aboard machines from 125cc up to the Superbike level. Road America certainly will offer a unique challenge for all of our racers."

The AMA Road Race Grand Championship will run in combination with the American Sportbike Racing Association Team Challenge, ASRA Sprints, United States Grand Prix Riders' Union and Championship Cup Series regional races. Licensed amateur and expert road racers from various clubs and organizations are encouraged to compete. AMA pro-licensed road racers are not eligible.

"We feel incredibly honored to be hosting the AMA Road Race Grand Championship for the fifth year in a row," said ASRA President Kevin Elliott. "After successful events at Daytona, New Jersey Motorsports Park and twice at Virginia International Raceway, we are excited to bring this event to one of America's premier race tracks. This 4-mile road course has long been one of the finest facilities in any series, and it's only fitting that racers have the chance to earn AMA National Championships at Road America."

The country's top amateur racers will compete not only for AMA No. 1 plates, but also for the AMA Road Race Horizon Award, which is awarded to the rider showing the most promise for success in the professional ranks. Past winners of the AMA Road Race Horizon Award have included Xavier Zayat, Anthony Mazziotto III, Jason DiSalvo, Hayden Gillim, Jake Lewis, Ben Spies, Miles Thornton and Blake Young.

Other awards presented at the event include the AMA Road Race Youth Award, the AMA Road Race Top Novice Award and the AMA Road Race Vet/Senior Award.

"This event is a phenomenal showcase for any sportsman road racer," Elliott said. "To race at a great track against top notch competitors and have the chance to win an AMA National Championship, it just doesn't get any better than this."

For more information about this event and to sign up to race, see www.ASRAracing.com and www.CCSracing.us.

DRE 2016: The Ducati riding academy returns with Carlos Checa
• Registration for track riding courses opens from 15 February at dre.ducati.com
• The most beautiful Ducati bikes and most exclusive Italian tracks for Ducati Riding Experience 2016
• A new “Champs Academy” on board the Ducati Panigale R
• Another new feature, the DRE Enduro: off-road riding courses with the Multistrada 1200 Enduro
Borgo Panigale, Bologna (Italy), 16 February 2016 – A true riding academy to suit every need and level, on board the most beautiful, exclusive and high performance Ducati bikes of course. Strengthened by the success and approval obtained in the last thirteen years of activity, the Ducati Riding Experience returns for 2016. Courses at the prestigious school can be booked via the website dre.ducati.com.

As DRE 2016 registration opens, Ducati offers another new feature, enriching the range of courses with the DRE Enduro, an authentic off-road riding school featuring the new Multistrada 1200 Enduro. A course designed for motorcyclists who want to perfect their technique to be able to take on any type of terrain. The Technical Director of this new DRE course is “dakarian” Beppe Gualini, who has vast off-road experience. The DRE Enduro school will be held at the Castello Nipozzano, the famous and historic estate owned by the Marquis Frescobaldi, a location that adds further appeal to this new Ducati initiative. Course dates, information and booking methods will be available from March at www.ducati.com.

The Ducati Riding Experience 2016 offers structured courses on track for every experience level, from the Intro and Precision courses, for those who want to perfect their road riding in absolute safety to the four track levels. Track Evo, Track Warm Up, Track Master and Champs Academy are the courses that take place on track, led by professional riders on board the most high performance Ducatis of all time.

For DRE 2016 Ducati has selected two of Italy’s most prestigious racetracks, such as the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli and the Mugello Circuit. Tracks that host such spectacular shows as the MotoGP and SBK races, where support and passion unite fans who come from all over the world to cheer on their heroes. Together the dream becomes a reality and participants in the 2016 Ducati Riding Experience can improve their riding style and technique at these iconic racetracks.

For the 2016 edition, Ducati has further improved the format of the track course to offer an even more exciting and educational experience by increasing the number of track sessions for the Track Master and Champs Academy courses. This, with the added value of World Champion Carlos Checa, who will guide Academy pupils on track.
In addition, during DRE 2016 days, those taking part in the Master and Academy courses will also be able to benefit from a data acquisition service, thanks to the DDA (Ducati Data Analyzer) mounted on all bikes used for courses. A specialist technician will be available to support participants.

On top of all this is a truly significant bike pool. The new Ducati bikes available to customers include the Panigale R, the supersport par excellence with its 205 hp for the Champs Academy. Synonymous with performance, style and technology, the 1299 Panigale S is the star of the Track Master course, while the 959 Panigale is the bike of choice for those on the Track Warm Up and Track Evo. For those who love to perfect their riding experience, both in terms of daily bike use and when embarking on short and long-range journeys, the DRE bike park for Precision courses includes the new Hypermotard 939 and Hyperstrada 939, as well as the ultimate naked, the Monster 1200 and 1200 R, another new feature for DRE 2016. On the Intro course, participants will ride the Monster 821, ideal for those who want to learn more about the world of biking or refine their riding style.

All participants in DRE 2016 can hire technical clothing to suit the particular course. Available for hire during the 2016 edition (subject to availability), and with a special design, is the D|air® Racing Ducati Corse leather suit with its sophisticated D|air® system, intelligent protection based on the airbag to ensure motorcyclists’ safety on track.

The DRE has always benefitted from a team of instructors madeup of expert riders who boast World, European and National titles. Confirmed for 2016 are: Carlos Checa (Superbike World Champion in 2011 with the Ducati 1198), Dario Marchetti (technical director and chief instructor, a very experienced rider), Michele Pirro (official Ducati Corse test rider for MotoGP since 2013 and Italian champion Superbike in 2015) and Argentinian Leandro Tati Mercado (2014 Superstock World Champion). Completing this prestigious list of highly-qualified instructors are Alessandro Valia (official Ducati test rider for production bikes since 2007), Michele Pirro (official Ducati Corse test rider for MotoGP since 2013, he takes part in various MotoGP races as a wildcard), Matteo Baiocco (official Ducati Corse test rider for the Panigale Superbike), Manuel Poggiali (125 World Champion in 2001 and 250 World Champion in 2003), Paolo Casoli (Supersport World Champion in 1997) and Andrew Pitt (Superbike World Championships in 2001 and 2003). These names to which we add other instructors of undeniable talent, will ensure that the DRE 2016 courses are exciting and educational for all the participants.

To register and receive more information about the courses and calendar: dre.ducati.com

World Ducati Week 2016: Set For July 1-3rd
• From 1 to 3 July at the Marco Simoncelli Misano World Circuit
• Time to celebrate Ducati's 90th anniversary at the ninth edition of the WDW
• The WDW has always stood for motorcycles, riders, a racetrack and tons of passion
Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy), 14 December 2015 – The event which Ducatisti from all around the world most look forward to is already on the agenda. From 1 to 3 July 2016 the international Ducati community in its entirety will be celebrating their shared passion for the Bologna-made bikes at the World Ducati Week to be held at the Marco Simoncelli Misano World Circuit.

The ninth edition of the WDW will provide the perfect opportunity to celebrate Ducati's 90th anniversary with fans and Ducatisti from all over the world. The Ducati story began on 4 July 1926 when the three brothers, Adriano, Bruno and Marcello Cavalieri Ducati, assisted by their father Antonio, founded the Società Scientifica Radio Brevetti Ducati company. Since then the Bologna-based firm, driven by its unique engineering talent, has created motorcycles of inimitable design and a strong sporting character.

In 2014 there was a record-breaking turn-out at the global Ducati gathering with over 65,000 attendees coming from five continents and as many as 56 countries from all over the world. Ducatisti joined the event from the USA, Europe, Australia, Russia and India as well as Brazil, China, Malaysia and even Gabon, Iceland and Nepal, all united by their passion for Ducati bikes. Only an event like this brings out the best of Desmodromic passion.

The multitude of participants expected at this edition will be able to see and try out the new models presented at EICMA including the XDiavel and the Multistrada 1200 Enduro. They will have a chance to chill out in the relaxed atmosphere of the Land of Joy within the Ducati Scrambler area and of course they'll also be able to have fun on the track with test rides and the Ducati Riding Experience. The Ducati MotoGP and Superbike riders will be present too, as will be the great passion and enjoyment which have characterised the WDW ever since the first edition held in 1998.

The countdown has already begun and over the next few months the programme will be available, together with detailed information on how to take part in World Ducati Week 2016, on the official website wdw.ducati.com.

NEW! FAST 2016, 2015, 2014 ... Digital Calendar Magazine Yearbooks
the Bikes, the Builders, the Riders, the Kittens,
the Calendar Bike Show, the World Superbike races
all the 2015 Calendar Pictures, and Special Features...
we take you around the world for the making of the
2015 FastDates.com Calendars Now in Members Corner

Kawasaki's Rea and Sykes fight off Davies and Guilgiano Ducatis to win Laguna SecaMazda Raceay Laguna Seca, Monterey, CA , July 8-10th 2016 - The American round of the 2016 FIM Superbike World and AMA Mational Championship again served up some incrdible racing, and was the location for our annual Fast Dates World Superbike Calendar shoot. Accompanying photographer Jim Gianatsis on the annual road trip up beautiful Pacific Coast Highway One were
ewo beautiful new Calendar Kittens Alissa Bourne and Kaustin Rose. On Friday afternoon after Practice we shot with all the top factory SBK and AMA Superbikes on Pit Lane in front of the team garages, then for the weekend's Superpole and Race Activities the Kittens served as the offical SBK Starting Grid Umbrella and P odium Girls. This marked the 22nd year since WSBK first come to Laguna Seca in 1995 that the FastDates.com Calendars have shot the factory race bikes at Laguna Seca World Superbike and provided our Calendar Kittens to serve as official SBK umbrella girls.

Laguna Seca Preview
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is a legendary circuit in the true sense of the word. Although many of its contemporaries call to mind moments in history, trackside views or a list of high profile names to have made the tarmac their own, Laguna Seca is synonymous with its most famous corner: the Corkscrew. Host to some classic and season-defining overtakes and blind on entry, the Corkscrew is a corner to be conquered.

So what’s new as the WorldSBK paddock heads west to California? The fastest answer is Nicky Hayden. The 2006 MotoGP World Champion and rookie WorldSBK race winner is heading for the US track for the first time on his Fireblade, and anticipation is high to see the American legend in action. As well as counting two MotoGP victories at the circuit, it also hosted the Kentucky Kid’s first win in AMA Superbike. The track suits the rider and the rider suits the track – added to home motivation for the former World Champion, fireworks could be on the cards. “Everybody is expecting miracles,” says Hayden, wary of the hype – but track records speak for themselves.

Jonathan Rea, after pinning down another double at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli in Round 8, is sure to want to put himself up as one of the men in Hayden’s path. The reigning Champion and points leader is also conscious of the need for consistency however, having amassed his lead in 2016 through making sure he has ended each Race on the podium. An impressive feat, and with no previous wins at Laguna Seca sitting on a more than 60 point lead, Rea could roll the dice two ways: play it safe, or go for broke.

Rea’s teammate Tom Sykes had a solid weekend in Misano, and the newly re-signed KRT rider now finds himself clear in the chase for P2 in the points table ahead of Chaz Davies – but the gap to Rea grew once again. The season heads into the summer break after festivities conclude at Laguna Seca, and Sykes will be looking to go all-out for glory in California – having already won at the track twice before.

Chaz Davies will be another optimist as the Welshman heads long haul once again. The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati rider did the double at Laguna Seca in 2015, and will be eager to repeat the feat on a Panigale R that has moved forward even further. Furthermore Davies, after difficult weekends in Donington and Misano in terms of points scored, no longer counts on the freedom offered to his title rival Rea: the Ducati rider must walk the limit in his quest for the crown, beginning at Laguna Seca and sure to see the 2015 runner-up put everything behind starting to score those wins once again.

Honda’s Michael van der Mark could also play a role, having been back on the podium in Misano after some more difficult Rounds - as was Aruba.it rider Davide Giugliano. Althea BMW rider Jordi Torres qualified on the front row at Laguna on his rookie visit in 2015, boding well for the Spaniard, and will be hoping to head his key top ten rivals in the showdown in California – namely experienced MV Agusta rider Leon Camier and rookie Aprilia rider Lorenzo Savadori of IodaRacing, all of whom are fighting to go one further than fourth and get on the podium. Yamaha’s Alex Lowes will be fighting fit at Laguna Seca once again too – ready to push the Pata Yamaha project even further forward.

After a cable car tour of San Francisco gets the GEICO Motorcycle US Round underway on 6th July, free practice sees bikes tackle the Corkscrew for the first time in 2016 on the 8th before Hayden lines up to chase his American dream as the lights go out for two more spectacular WorldSBK Races at Laguna Seca.

Friday PracticeFriday July 8th - Ducati Aruba.it Racing rider Chaz Davies owned the timesheets on Day 1 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, as the Welshman returned to the track on which he did the double last year to lay down a marker as he gets ready to attack the second half of the season. Kawasaki Racing Team rider Jonathan Rea ended the day second quickest with two sessions as a frontrunner on Friday, ahead of local hero Nicky Hayden on the Honda Fireblade, who moved up from P12 to P3 in the last few impressive minutes of the session.

KRT rider Tom Sykes was bumped out the top three in the last dash after having had a more difficult morning session but ended the day in P4, ahead of FP1’s fastest man Alex Lowes, who rounded out the top 5 for Pata Yamaha. Davide Giugliano finished up P6 as the Italian returns to a track with some difficult memories after a crash last year sidelined him for many Rounds of the season, ahead of Althea BMW rider Jordi Torres in P7.

Lorenzo Savadori was impressive in P8 for IodaRacing Aprilia, ahead of Xavi Forés for Barni Racing on the Panigale R, who ended the day in P9. Niccolo Canepa continued stand in duties for Sylvain Guintoli with another good showing to round out the top 10 for Pata Yamaha.

Honda rider Michael van der Mark, after spending most of the morning session at the front, was the casualty of the last minute dash as the Dutchman ended Day 1 in P11 and just missed out on direct entry into Tissot-Superpole 2. Alex De Angelis was P12 on the second IodaRacing machine, ahead of MV Agusta’s Leon Camier, Milwaukee BMW’s Karel Abraham and second Althea BMW rider Raffaele de Rosa, who is riding at Laguna Seca for the first time as a replacement for injured Markus Reiterberger.

Entry to Tissot-Superpole 2 is now decided for the top ten, with the last two spots in the fight for the top 12 places on the grid up for grabs through the Superpole 1 session on Saturday. With a closely packed field, it’s sure to be an explosive battle in qualifying ahead of the two WorldSBK races of the weekend: the lights go out at 14:30 local time (GMT -7) on both Saturday and Sunday as the fight for 50 points begins once again.

Chaz Davies - "Being fastest at the end of the first day is always good but we know it doesn’t count for a lot come tomorrow! But so far so good, it seems like we’re on good pace from the first laps and we’re just chipping away. I think we can improve a bit for tomorrow too, and that’s what I’m happiest about."

The next morning Saturday, Tom Sykes would win Superpole to earn his seventh pole position starting place of the year, and the 37th of his career. Rea had qualified only 0.055 seconds behind and was second on the grid. Davies would be third quickest and also on the front row. Above, Fast Dates Calendar Kitten Kaustin Rose awards the Tissot Superpole watch to Tom Sykes.

The start of Race One coming out of Turn 3 sees Chaz sandwiched between the Kawasakis of Sykes and Rea, followed by Giugliano and Hayden. Davies would crash out when challenging Sykes for the lead, and Hayden would move up to 3rd mid-race when Giugliano went down on the other Ducati a few laps later

Laguna Seca: Day 2 Rea Reigns in the US of AKRT duo battle at the front as Kentucky Kid Hayden withstands the pressure for P3 Saturday July 9th - Jonathan Rea has taken his first ever victory at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, beating teammate Tom Sykes into P2 with Nicky Hayden coming through under pressure to take the final spot on the rostrum. Tom Sykes got away in the lead from pole, with the Yorkshireman leading Ducati’s Chaz Davies, who got a superb start from the second row to end Lap 1 in P2, ahead of Sykes’ KRT teammate Jonathan Rea. With the front three close together and the second Aruba.it bike of Davide Giugliano leading Honda’s home hero Nicky Hayden in the chase, Davies took the lead with 21 to go with last year’s double winner looking to make it three in a row, before the Welshman pushed too hard on the front and slid off into the gravel at Turn 6, out of contention.

With Rea and Sykes closer to Giugliano after Davies’ crash, the reigning Champion then recovered from having gone slightly deep into the Corkscrew and began to put the hammer down. Rea, who has never won at Laguna Seca and was only 0.055 off the Superpole-winning time set by teammate Sykes, showed great pace all weekend at the Californian track and began to pull away from Sykes, until a mistake at the Corkscrew once more saw the Northern Irishman soon lose the lead and forced to do the work again. Rea eventually crossed the line over a second clear to take his first victory at the US track, with Sykes in P2 and another World Champion completing the podium in P3.

Kentucky Kid, MotoGP Legend and Honda World Superbike Team rider Hayden had warned against expecting miracles at his home venue, aware of the competition around him, but put in a superlative ride under pressure at home to come home in P3, adding another podium to his impressive rookie tally.

Hayden’s teammate, 2014 WorldSSP Champion Michael van der Mark, moved up from P11 on the grid to hunt down the frontrunners and cross the line P4 after taking IodaRacing’s Lorenzo Savadori and Pata Yamaha’s Alex Lowes in the latter stages of the race. Lowes crossed the line in P5 and Savadori, who had never ridden at Laguna Seca, put in an impressive rookie ride to come home in the top 6, ahead of Barni Racing’s Xavi Forés and Althea BMW rider Jordi Torres. Alex De Angelis on the second Aprilia and Niccolo Canepa on the second Pata Yamaha completed the top ten.

Leon Camier moved up one place from his starting position after an interrupted Friday to come home P11, ahead of Pedercini’s Anthony West and the Milwaukee BMW pairing of Josh Brookes and Karel Abraham. Roman Ramos completed the top 15 for Go ELEVEN.

Jonathan Rea, 1st - "The best thing about today is winning the Race here in the USA where the passion is so high. It feels like I made some mistakes so I'm quite mad with myself - mostly in braking - so that's something to look into tomorrow; trying to get a bike that's more stable. Tom did a really good job in the beginning to make the pace but we seemed to have the best package today and I'm happy to have brought it home."

Tom Sykes, 2nd - "It was very easy to make a mistake and very windy. I think we did a good job at the beginning. I never felt comfortable with the rear traction but still we were able to make some good laps. I was able to regroup but I never quite had the package to fight with Jonathan. Credit where credit's due and tomorrow we need to just find something with the package."

Nicky Hayden, 3rd - “It feels really good to be on the podium. I’m not ecstatic with my race – I had hoped to be faster than that - but you know what? We got on the podium. So thanks to my team and all my supporters – this is for them of course. I hope to be able to put up a better fight tomorrow."

The 4th year of World SBK and AMA Superbike's return to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca saw the biggest spectator turtnout yet. Despite the offical attendance numbers which alwaystotl up each of the 3 day weekend's attendae, and then inflated by double, we's guestimate this year's attendance was up another 1,000 peoplelast year, to around 6,000 attendace each day for Saturday and Sunday, up from approx 3,000 in 2003.

Laguna Seca: Day 3A Showdown to RememberRea Off Track and Breaks Down, dueling Ducatis and Last Corner Drama
Sunday July 10th - Tom Sykes has taken victory in Race 2 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, heading the Ducati duo of Davide Giugliano and Chaz Davies over the line in a race that would have been impossible to script. With a slight wheelie off the line from Jonathan Rea alongside, KRT rider Tom Sykes kept the lead from pole as Davide Giugliano benefitted from P3 and slotted in behind the Yorkshireman; Chaz Davies and Nicky Hayden the closest challengers behind.

Ducati's Giugliano(34) took the lead from Sykes (66) and Rae in Race Two, until a crash on Lap 5 brought out the Red Flag and necessitated a restart. A heated battle for the lead resumed on the restart, which saw Rae run off track and then drop out with bike problems, leacing Sykes to fight off Giugliao and his Ducsti team mate Chad Davies for a narrow victory.

The first few laps of the Race saw Michael van der Mark a high profile casualty, with the impressive Dutchman running on and losing control of his Honda before rejoining down the field. Leon Camier then shortly suffered a technical problem that saw the MV Agusta Reparto Corse rider forced to retire, followed by IodaRacing rider Alex De Angelis.

Giugliano took the lead on Lap 3, with the two Aruba.it Ducatis sandwiching the KRT pairing of Sykes and Rea, before a fall for Pawel Szkopek brought out the Red Flag. With the restarted Race set for 21 laps, the quick restart procedure soon saw bikes back on track, with Giugliano on pole for the restart from Sykes and Rea, with van der Mark able to restart, but from the final row.

The Italian lost the lead off the line to Sykes, before standing the Yorkshireman up and taking it back, with Hayden able to take Rea and move himself up into P3. The reigning Champion fought back however, and set off to hunt down the leading duo. Lorenzo Savadori was a high profile casualty soon after, as the impressive Italian rookie lost his Aprilia and crashed out on lap 3.

An incredible tussle down the Corkscrew then saw the Kawasaki duo attack Giugliano and fight it out, before a lap later Jonathan Rea went wide at Turn 6 and ran on – out of the frontrunning battle as he then stopped on track with a technical problem.

The lead trio of Sykes, Giugliano and Davies ahead and away, a six bike train of Hayden, Forés, Lowes, Torres, van der Mark and Canepa battled over P4, with positions swapping and the Corkscrew hosting another classic moment as Forés took the inside line after running a little deep, and Hayden refused to be overtaken.

An three-way fight for the win ensued with the two Ducatis fighting it out in a modern classic behind Sykes as the laps ticked down, with the Yorkshireman standing firm in the face of incredible pressure from the two red machines behind. As the three crossed the line almost together after the incredible fight, last corner drama ensued for those behind, with Alex Lowes trying to take teammate Niccolo Canepa and sending both off – with Canepa able to at least see the line quickly.

Jordi Tirres on the Althea BMW.

Forés came home P4 for Barni Racing, ahead of home hero Nicky Hayden in P5, with Torres on the Althea BMW in P6. Michael van der Mark staged an incredible comeback to cross the line seventh, ahead of Pata Yamaha’s Niccolo Canepa as the Italian managed to shoot over the line after the interruption. Anthony West was ninth for Pedercini, ahead of Roman Ramos who completed the top ten for GO EVELEN.

Raffaele De Rosa ended his WorldSBK debut in P11, ahead of Karel Abraham for Milwaukee BMW, Grillini’s Dominic Schmitter and a re-mounted Alex Lowes in P14. Saeed Al Sulaiti took home his first point in P15.

WorldSBK now heads into the summer break, before the grid get back on track at Lausitzring in September for the final four-Round showdown of the 2016 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship.

Tom Sykes, 1st : “That was quite exciting and I had a lot of pressure from the Ducati riders all race long. We struggled with edge grip today so I had to change my style a little bit to defend my line. It destroyed the lap time but gave us the 25 points. Overall, it was good race for the spectators and a close one between three riders. I am happy enough but it was a difficult race in some ways. The restart was one more thing to think about and we made some changes, making the best of the situation. We never had the perfect set-up but I feel we made a good compromise. We have made a good weekend, with pole position, a second place and a win. We will go into the summer break on a high and try to learn from the information we took from the previous Misano round and this one, and then try to put the jigsaw together for the last part of the season.”

Jonathan Rea, Points Leader Retired - : “To not finish is disappointing because up to that point I felt so good with the bike. Even when I got stuck in some traffic at the beginning I was able to close down the gap to the leaders. I feel it was one more race we could have really capitalised on, but this is racing sometimes. We need to analyse everything with the bike. When I went wide in T7 I rejoined the track and it seemed I had a problem. As soon as I closed the gas the rear was locking and I heard some noise. I carried on through some corners, arrived in turn one and it was really locking a lot. Then in T2 something was wrong so I pulled in. We have to take the rough with the smooth because we have had a really good run so far, but it is a frustrating way to go into the summer break. I wish the Lausitzring round was next weekend because I feel really good with the bike and that is a huge motivation for me.”

Davide Giugliano, 2nd - "I had so much fun, but it’s been difficult both physically and mentally, because it was paramount not to make mistakes while battling against Chaz. We’ve been both fair and I think we made it fun for people on track and at home. For me, to score a podium here is special because last year my season was put to an end in Laguna Seca and my career was almost destroyed. Yesterday was tough for the whole team, but some small adjustments allowed us to make the most of our current potential."

Chaz Davies, 3rd - "It was quite a tight race. It was good to be back on the podium for sure, after a weak start. I got shuffled back to sixth in the early laps, and not just sixth but deep in the pack. I lost a few seconds. So that made things a bit harder. Unfortunately the last few laps didn't pan out as I was hoping but nevertheless it's good to be back on the podium after a tough few Races."

Nicky Hayden, 5th - "I’m really disappointed for how the race went, especially for how things were looking before the red flag. At the first start there was a little glitch in the light and I got buried, but I was good in turns one and two and made up a lot of positions. I was feeling more and more confident and just had my best lap of the weekend on race tyres, then the red flag came out. After the second start something happened: we’re not sure what exactly at the moment as the team is still analysing the data, but the bike was completely different. I couldn’t brake as good as yesterday and I lost all confidence. It’s a shame, really, because after the first start I thought I could have gone for something really special."

Meet beautiful Alissa Bourne & Kaustin Rose,
our newest SBK Fast Dates Calendar Kittens for Laguna Seca World Superbike and the LA Calendar Motorcycle Show this July 2016
June 1st 2016 - Beautiful New York based model Alissa Bourne and Los Angeles based Kaustin Rose have been selected as the newest FastDates.com Calendar Kittens by Calendar producer and photographer Jim Gianatsis booked through Umbrella Girls USA to shoot the next 2018 edition FastDates.com Calendars during July 2016 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca SBK World and AMA Superike Weekend July 8-19th and the LA Calendar Motorcycle Show on Saturday July 23rd at the Sagebrush Cantina, Calabasas, CA.

Alissa Bourne is as athletic as she is beautiful, first going from high school to attend the University of Maryland on a Soccer scholarship, graduating with a with a degree in Accounting. But before settling down to a boring corporate office job as an account, this beautiful 5'9" blond who resembles the legendary Marilyn Monroe, thought she'd first give modeling and acting a try, moving to New York where she has found success in both commercial and fashion modeling, and acting. Her credits include an appearance this season on the TV show "Younger" and featured int he interesting short story movie called "Audrey" which can be found on YouTube.com and was recently nominated for the 2016 New York Short Films Awards.

Kaustin Rose is from Phoenix, Arizona, and is a huge motorsports enthusiast. She grew up working in her father's business of buying, repairing and selling cars and motorcycles. Having motorcycles parked in the house was just part of the norm for her, and she was always rebuilding car motors with her dad. Caustin rode a KTM dirt bike in the desert, and got heavily into building up and driving cars in Drifting competition. But after destroying her Nissan drift car into a wall, and then her new 2012 BMW M3, she tell us she's taking a break from owning cars for a while to "settle down".

We hope she doesn't settle down too much, and will keep her driving passion focused on safer race tracks like Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca with ample runoff area where the consequences aren't as serious or expensive. Kaustin moved to Los Angeles just a year ago to get into glamour and fashion modeling. Her credits include magazine covers like Penthouse March 2016.

The girls' exciting and busy month of FastDates.com Calendar shoots begin with a drive from Los Angeles up the California Coast on Highway 1 to Monterrey California for the 2016 Laguna Seca USA World SBK & AMA Superbike round July 8-10th to shoot the Fast Dates World Superbike Calendar and will join other Umbrella Girls USA models to serve as official SBK Podium and Gird Girls at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

Following the Laguna Seca Superbike weekend, Alissa and Kaustin will return to Los Angeles to stay at the Fast Dates Calendar Mansion and Studio and enjoy the sights and shoot with Jim Gianatsis for the Garage Girl Calendar. Then on the weekend of July 23-24th they will be in attendance at the Saturday July 23rd LA Calendar Motorcycle Show at the Sagebrush Cantina in Calabasas to help premier the new 2017 FastDates.com Calendars and help with the Calendar Bike Building Championship awards. Then the following day Sunday the 24th, the Kittens will be at Jim's home and studio to shoot with all the the top custom motorcycles from the Show for the next 2018 Iron & Lace Custom Motorcycle Calendars, and host a house party and concert with the winning bike builders and Show staff. Tickets for the Bike Show are available on the Calendar Show web page here - http://www.FastDates.com/BIKESHOW.HTM

New 1299 Panigale S Anniversario Premiers at WDW2016Casey Stoner and Claudio Domenicali have unveiled the bike that marks Ducati's 90th anniversary. Limited edition of 500 bikes with all-new colour scheme and technical content. The 1299 Panigale S Anniversario, equipped with the new EVO Traction and Wheelie Control, also includes a special track kit.

Misano Adriatico, Rimini - Italy, July 2nd 2016 - To celebrate its 90th anniversary, the Bologna-based bike manufacturer decided to provide visitors to World Ducati Week 2016 (1-3 July, “Marco Simoncelli” Misano World Circuit) with a special preview of the new 1299 Panigale S Anniversario. The reason for doing so was simply to reward the tens of thousands of Ducatisti who flocked to WDW2016 with a symbolic "gift". An exclusive bike for an exclusive, knowledgeable and demanding audience.

On Saturday evening - during the presentation of the Ducati riders - this audience enjoyed a wonderful preview of the 1299 Panigale S Anniversario on the stage of the Santamonica stadium in Misano Adriatico, presented to them by non other than Casey Stoner. The former MotoGP world champion presented this latest made-in-Bologna gem together with Ducati’s CEO Claudio Domenicali. The limited-edition 1299 Panigale S Anniversario (just 500 bikes will be made) features an all-new colour scheme and technical content.

Inspiration for the 1299 Panigale S Anniversario’s colours was drawn from Ducati race bikes. Its white, black and Ducati Red fairings perfectly complement its special gold wheels. Other distinctive features on the 1299 Panigale S Anniversario include its top triple clamp and steering head inserts, both in machined-from-solid aluminium alloy.

Each top triple clamp is unique in that it has been laser-etched with the bike’s unique production number of 500. The steering head inserts shift the front wheel forward 5 mm, giving the same chassis geometry as the incredible Panigale R. Moreover, a light lithium battery, together with carbon fibre heel guards, rear mudguard and shock absorber cover reduce weight by 2.5 kg.

The electronics on the 1299 Panigale S Anniversario incorporates all-new traction and wheelie control, representing a major evolution of such systems; hence the name Ducati Traction Control (DTC) and Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO. Both systems maximise performance and active safety on the Italian Superbike.

In addition to the new DTC and DWC EVO, the 1299 Panigale S Anniversario also features Bosch Cornering ABS, which ensures performance and safety whatever the riding conditions, plus Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) for ultra-fast clutchless up and downshifts on both track and road. The twin-cylinder, 1285 cc, 205 hp Superquadro engine features Engine Brake Control (EBC), which optimises vehicle stability under extreme turn-in conditions.

The suspension department, instead, offers up Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES) and Öhlins Smart EC; the latter is an event-based control system that processes information about the bike and accordingly uses stepper motors to dynamically adjust the suspension set-up during riding, improving cornering grip, stability, braking, turn-in, handling and riding comfort.

The 1299 Panigale S Anniversario also features TFT (Thin Film Transistor) instrumentation, as well as customizable Ducati Riding Modes (Race, Sport and Wet) that allow the rider to have tailor-made performance.

Like all bikes in the Panigale family, the 1299 Panigale S Anniversario makes excellent use of monocoque frame technology. The compact, enhanced-strength die-cast aluminium monocoque structure features the Superquadro engine as a stressed member of the frame.

To emphasise the sports performance of the 1299 Panigale S Anniversario even further, the bike comes with a racing kit consisting of an Akrapovi? Racing exhaust in titanium, billet aluminium mirror blockoff plates, and a cover for the hole created by removing the license-plate holder for track days. Lastly, a battery charger is also provided.

The 1299 Panigale S Anniversario will be available from Ducati Dealerships starting in the second half of July (country specific).

Misano World Superbike Domination - Rae and Sykes and a Tale of Two KawasakisWSBK, Misano, SAN MARINO, 19 June 2016 - Reigning FIM Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea and 2013 champion Tom Sykes once more came out on top during the Misano race weekend, with Rea and Sykes replicating Saturday’s race result of Jonathan first and Tom second, albeit in a different kind of race. Rea’s latest win puts him 66 points ahead of his official Ninja ZX-10R team-mate in the championship table, with just one more round at Laguna Seca to come before the long summer break begins.

The lead Ninja ZX-10R pairing had the field to themselves almost from the start once again after taking a clear 1-2 on Saturday but this time it was Sykes who did the front running. His lead lasted until lap 17, when Rea put in a pass entering the first corner and held the line on the way out of the chicane.

Rea pushed on to create a gap that ended up being 2.963 seconds at the end of the 21-lap contest around the 2.226km circuit on Italy’s Adriatic coast. Realising he would not catch his team-mate before the end, Sykes had eased off slightly to make sure of his strong second place finish.

Misano was Rea’s seventh win of the year, and the 36th of his career. He remains the fourth most successful WorldSBK rider in history in terms of race wins.

The second race was held in cooler conditions than Saturday’s opening event, with Rea making a tyre option change that he later said was an important part of his race two winning strategy - particularly when added to chassis set-up modifications that also helped his Sunday cause.

Although Sykes’ push at the front could not quite be maintained to the end of the race he still scored another 20 valuable points as he and his team-mate moved further away from their other competitors in the championship standings. Kawasaki leads the Manufacturers’ Standings by 74 points after Misano.

The Return of the King
SUPERBIKE RACE ONE, Saturday June 18th - Kawasaki Racing Team’s Jonathan Rea has taken his first victory since Assen in a classic game of cat and mouse at Misano World Circuit, holding off intense pressure from teammate Tom Sykes throughout the Race to cross the line for another win in 2016 – ending his longest drought before moving to Kawasaki. Honda’s Michael van der Mark, after a storming start, completed the podium in P3 as the Dutchman moved back up the grid to where he belongs after a more difficult Superpole 2.

A drama filled first part of Lap 1 saw Lorenzo Savadori fall foul of a tussle just behind the front few bikes, with the Aprilia sliding off into the gravel and sadly seeing the Italian rookie unable to finish his first WorldSBK Race in Misano. Chaz Davies was pushed down outside the top ten as Torres, Camier and Savadori got caught up in chaos, and the biggest winners off the line were undoubtedly Honda’s Michael van der Mark and Pedercini’s Anthony West, with the Australian moving well into the top ten. Van der Mark, who pulled through the field with a stunning launch and first lap to cross the line at the end of Lap 1 in P5, then saw Ducati rider Davide Giugliano lowside off the track in front of him, before Honda teammate Nicky Hayden suffered a spectacular trip through the gravel at the final corner.

Davies was left with a fight back after having needed to sit up, and Aruba.it teammate Giugliano got going again to also face the uphill battle through the field at the Ducati team’s second home Race of the year, with the Italian eventually coming home in P14. Head down and focused, Davies fought back into the top 5 by lap 11, on course for a good haul of points to salvage from what had seemed a disastrous start and hunting down Jordi Torres to end Race 1 just off the podium in P4.

Torres ended Althea BMW’s Race 1 in P5 for the team at home, just ahead of Althea teammate Markus Reiterberger, who debuted as a wildcard at Misano last year and crossed the line in P6 in another good rookie showing, competing a fantastic first Race of the home round for the Althea BMW team.

Pata Yamaha’s Niccolo Canepa, riding in place of recovering Sylvain Guintoli, crossed the line in P7 at his and Pata’s home race in an impressive showing, ahead of MV Agusta rider Leon Camier, who after getting tangled up at the start rode a solid recovery for MV at their home Round.

Roman Ramos put in an impressive performance to take P9 for Team GoEleven, ahead of Anthony West on the Pedercini Kawasaki who rounded out the top ten. Milwaukee BMW’s Josh Brookes crossed the line in P11 in a solid performace, ahead of Aprilia’s Alex De Angelis at his closest circuit to home. The second Pata Yamaha machine of Alex Lowes crossed the line in P13 after the Brit suffered a run off early on, an impressive showing nonetheless as the former British Champion recovers from a broken collarbone, with Giugliano in P14 ahead of Pavel Szkopek competing the points in P15

Kawasaki Racing Team rider Jonathan Rea has completed a double at Misano World Circuit, stalking teammate Tom Sykes until pulling away with 5 laps to go and crossing the line with a 3 second margin in an impressive display from the reigning World Champion. Davide Giugliano made amends for a home crash in Race 1 to complete the podium for Aruba.it Racing – Ducati.

World SBK Race 1:Complete Results Here
1. Jonathan Rea Kawasaki Racing Team
3. Tom Sykes Kawasaki Racing Team +0.090
3. Michael van der Mark Honda World Superbike Team +3.093
Kawsaki Double Feature in Race Two
SUPERBIKE RACE TWO, Saturday June 18th - Sunday dawned in Misano with blue skies despite the threat of rain, and the weather held off for another incredible Race on the Riviera di Rimini. Rea got the jump on Sykes off the line as Yamaha’s Alex Lowes tried to muscle through on the inside of the Yorkshireman, before Sykes swooped around the outside to take back P1 and the KRT duo started to pull a gap on those behind.

An early, spectacular incident saw Althea BMW rider Markus Reiterberger highside out of the race on the first lap in a midfield tussle at Turn 8, with the German walking away from the incident unaided. A further fall on Lap 3, this time a lowside for Chaz Davies, then interrupted the midfield rhythm again as Honda rider Michael van der Mark was forced to shut off the gas to try and avoid the fallen Ducati, making contact enough to cause the Dutchman to fall before both were able to get back on their bikes. Van der Mark then faced a fight back through the field, as Davies was forced to pull into the pits. The Dutchman put his head down and pulled back the deficit to the points, then focusing on the top ten and crossing the line in P10.

Davide Giugliano, after having suffered a similar crash in Race 1 to that of his teammate in Race 2, began to pull away from Barni Racing’s Xavi Forés in a bid to add another podium finish to his tally in 2016, keeping a healthy gap to the Panigale R behind to cross the line in P3 for some home glory. Forés followed the Italian home in P4 in an impressive ride, ahead Lorenzo Savadori for IodaRacing.

Savadori, who has won the last two ST1000 races at Misano, was able to show the potential of his Aprilia after having his Race 1 cut short, coming home in P5 for another impressive rookie result, and a great haul of points at the home Round of rider, team and manufacturer. Althea BMW rider Jordi Torres had a solid ride into P7 in the tightly packed mid-field, just losing out to Honda rider Nicky Hayden as the American took the Spaniard with two laps to go.

Alex Lowes came home in P8 for Pata Yamaha at Pata’s home Round despite still suffering the after-effects of his broken collarbone in Sepang, ahead of stand-in teammate Niccolo Canepa, who collected another impressive top ten in P9, ahead of charging van der Mark.

MV Agusta Reparto Corse rider Leon Camier, after an interrupted Race 1 followed by an incredible comeback, was sadly unable to finish Race 2 at the team’s home Round after a technical problem caused his retirement on lap 13. Anthony West got more points for Pedercini in P11, ahead of Roman Ramos for GoEleven in P12 and San Marinese rider Alex De Angelis in thirteenth. Milwaukee BMW pairing Josh Brookes and Karel Abraham completed the points positions in P14 and 15 respectively.

The next Round of WorldSBK will take place at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in California, from the 8th-10th July as the paddock prepares to attack the corkscrew.

Aero Winglets on the factory MotoGP Ducati of Andrea Dovizioso, on pole this weekend in the wet at Assen
Grand Prix Commission Bans MotoGP Aerodynamic Devices Beginning in 2017We are sorry to report the GP Commission has
decided to ban the aerodynamic wings that Team Ducati pioneered, and all the other factory teams have now copied. The radical looking aero wings, whether they worked well or not is debateable, actually helped to differentiate the factory prototype MotoGP bikes from the very similar looking and performing production based SBK World Superbikes. The winglets helped give motorcycle racing's "premier class" the exotic look similar to Formula One and LeMansP1 prototype race cars, making the bikes more exciting for fans to watch race. Disappointing.

But perhaps it was a safety concern because motorcycle racers are not protected from being hit by the sharp external winglets, as a race car driver would be protected in a fully enclosed car.

Assen, The Netherlans, June 25th - The Grand Prix Commission, composed of Messrs. Carmelo Ezpeleta (Dorna, Chairman), Ignacio Verneda (FIM CEO), Herve Poncharal (IRTA) and Takanao Tsubouchi (MSMA) in the presence of Javier Alonso (Dorna) and Mike Trimby (IRTA, Secretary of the meeting), in a meeting held on 25th. June at Assen, made the following decisions:

Aerodynamic Wings in the MotoGP Class
The Grand Prix Commission, composed of Messrs. Carmelo Ezpeleta (Dorna, Chairman), Ignacio Verneda (FIM CEO), Herve Poncharal (IRTA) and Takanao Tsubouchi (MSMA) in the presence of Javier Alonso (Dorna) and Mike Trimby (IRTA, Secretary of the meeting), in a meeting held on 25th. June at Assen, made the following decisions:

The Commission unanimously agreed that, with effect from the 2017, the use of aerodynamic wings in the MotoGP class will be banned. The actual regulation will replicate those for the Moto3 and Moto2 classes where the use of wings is already prohibited.

Wings that comply with current technical regulations may continue to be used for the remainder of the 2016 season.

Post-Race Noise Tests
Since the introduction of four-stroke machinery in all classes, no machine has ever failed the mandatory post-race noise checks. Accordingly, the requirement for the first three machines to be routinely checked after the race is cancelled with immediate effect. The Technical Director may still decide to carry out noise tests at his discretion.

Privateer Jack Miller on the Estrella Galicia Honda won the Assen TT.

2016 FIM MotoGP World Championship, Round 8 of 18 Motul TT Assen

Jack Miller Walks on Water for Miraculus Assen TT MotoGP WinA red flagged race, then a resart one the rain abetted, put the MotoGP™ riders through their paces, with Jack Miller mastering the wet to take his maiden premier class win.

Assen, The Netherlands, June 25th 2016 - A torrential downpour just before the start ensuredthe sell-out capavity crowd for the Assen MotoGP™ World Championship race would be a splash fest. With the track soaked, the rain eased and riders headed out onto the grid with full wet tires s fitted. Conditions were far from ideal, Eugene Laverty (Aspar Team MotoGP) falling on his sighting lap. The lights went out with riders knowing a flag-to-flag race was likely, Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) grabbing the lead out of the first corner as they tiptoed around the first corners. Complete Coverage Here

MILWAUKEE (May 26, 2016) – A new-generation Harley-Davidson® flat-track motorcycle is ready to race. The Harley-Davidson® Screamin’ Eagle® Factory Team is unleashing the XG750R, its first all-new flat track race bike in 44 years, to battle in fierce, adrenaline-filled competition on dirt ovals across the U.S. The XG750R will make its official competition debut Sunday, May 29, at the AMA Pro Flat Track Springfield Mile in Illinois.

Powered by the fuel-injected, liquid-cooled Harley-Davidson Revolution X™ V-Twin engine, the XG750R will be raced by Factory Team rider Davis Fisher on the AMA Pro Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines flat track series. The new XG750R motorcycle is strictly for race competition and will not be offered for sale at this time.

The new flat tracker is powered by the 750cc Revolution X™ V-Twin engine designed for the Harley-Davidson Street® 750, a motorcycle built for maximum urban maneuverability with rebellious Dark Custom™ attitude. Tuned for the track, this modified Revolution X engine will power the new XG750R in the extreme heat of competition as it fights to be first to the finish line.

The race-modified Revolution X engine and a racing frame for the XG750R were developed by Vance & Hines Motorsports. Vance & Hines also is the partner for the factory Harley-Davidson® Screamin’ Eagle®/Vance & Hines drag racing program where V-Rod® motorcycles have won eight of the past 12 NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle drag racing championships.

“After decades of flat-track racing success behind the Harley-Davidson XR750 flat track motorcycle, we knew it was time to develop the next-generation Harley-Davidson to compete in one of the best spectator racing sports out there today,” said Kris Schoonover, Harley-Davidson racing manager. Fisher, in his first season racing with the Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle Factory Team and a rookie on the GNC1 series, will be the first racer aboard the XG750R. The 18-year-old racer from Warren, Ore., won the 2015 AMA Pro GNC2 championship.

“We wanted a young rider with plenty of raw ability for the XG750R program, and Davis proved himself in the GNC2 class,” said Schoonover. “We are excited to have the opportunity to bring an emerging talent like Davis up to the GNC1 series to develop the new bike alongside an experienced champion like Brad Baker.”

Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle Factory Team rider Brad Baker, 23 years old and the 2013 AMA Pro Grand National Champion, will continue to race aboard the proven Harley-Davidson XR750 motorcycle while Fisher races the XG750R through its developmental stage.

At the May 29th 2016 Springfield Mile, H-D factory rider Davis Fisher finished 8th on the new Harley XG750R, behind behind a slew of Kawasaki Ninja 650 in-line twins, and 9 seconds down behind podium finishers factory Harley Rider Brad Baker in 3rd on the old XR750, privateer Jared Mees also on an XR750, with Bryan Smith on a Kawasaki Ninja 650 taking the race win. The more advanced design of the 4-valve DOHC Kawasaki engine proving highly competitive despiteits smaller displacement.

“The XG750R has shown great potential in testing and the first few races this season,” said Schoonover. “But as with any new racing motorcycle, there will be work to do. We’re excited to continue testing the XG750R in real world competition, and as we make our way through the season, we will evaluate the performance of the bike and our factory riders to see if Baker might switch to the new bike.”

Check Harley-Davidson.com for a full listing of this season’s races; also follow Harley-Davidson on Facebook for racing updates.

All Three Editions of this new 2017 FastDates.com Calendars feature our official SBK Fast Dates World Superbike
Calendar Kittens
Sara Horvath, Alena Pyshnaya from the Ukraine, and Alena Sovostikova from Russia, who spent the summer in America with Calendar photographer Jim Gianatsis to shoot and work at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca USA World and AMA Superbike, and the LA Calendar Motorcycle Show. Follow the action behind the scrnes at the link above, and in our FAST 2017 Digital Magazine Yearbook in Members Corner.

FAST 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 Digital Calendar Magazines
Go Behind the Scenes for the Making of the FastDates.com Calendars!Each year's FastDates.com Calendar Digital Yearbook features 120 pages of exciting hi-resolution digital photography that takes you with us behind the scenes to our photo shoots at SBK World and AMA Superbike, the LA Calendar Motorcyle Show, and in our photo studio. You'll meet the beautiful Calendar Kitttens in sexy biography pictorials, the top Factory Racers and Custom Bike Builders,and see detailed photo features on the top calendar and race bikes. Take a track day with World Superbike Champion Troy Bayliss at Misano, take an Edelsweiss Ducati World Superbike tour of the Ducati Factory & Museum and across Italy, ride a Vespa scooter around Paris and party at the Crazy Horse and the Moulon Rouge. Hang with beautiful teen rock star Taylor Momsen of the Pretty Reckless. Did we forget anything?

Oh yes, and you'll see every page in the new Fast Dates, Garage Girls, Iron & Lace Calendars!

All three Editions of this new 2016 FastDates.com Calendars feature our official SBK Fast Dates World Superbike
Calendar Kittens
Jitka Pralinka and Petra Ruzickova from the Czech Republic, who spent the summer in America with Calendar photographer Jim Gianatsis to shoot and work at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca USA World and AMA Superbike, and the LA Calendar Motorcycle Show. Follow the action behind the scrnes at the link above, and in our FAST 2017 Digital Magazine Yearbook in Members Corner.

2015 FIM SBK Motul World Superbike Championship, Round 5 of 14 Imola

Chaz Davies' Double Home Victory for Ducati at ImolaImola, Italy, April 29-30, May 1st, 2016 -The Ducati factory Aruba.it team enjoyed an unforgettable weekend in Imola. After taking the Panigale R to a historic first win on Italian soil in Race 1, Chaz Davies did the double in Race 2. The Welshman’s tally also includes Superpole and the fastest lap in both races. Continued HERE

Suzuki has yet to reveal pricing, availability dates and if there are different models of the all new GSXR1000 modieled after their new MotoGP bike.This bike shown above features conventional non-resevoir front forks, bhile the bike describe in the press relases and shown in the studio pictures, has a Gold-anosized frok tubes with gas remote resevoirs.

Suzuki Next Generation 2016 GSX-R1000 -World-Beating Performance. Again. Nov. 17, 2015 – It has been three decades, with more than a million editions sold, since the GSX-R line was born. And a decade and a half has elapsed since the first GSX-R1000 changed the open sportbike class forever. Now, the concept of the 6th-generation GSX-R1000 is redefining what it means to be The Top Performer. It embodies the life work and professional ambition of Suzuki engineers who are passionate about the GSX-R1000 and its place in motorcycle history. Men who love riding and racing, enthusiasts determined to restore the GSX-R1000 to its proper title of The King of Sportbikes. Know this: It is the most powerful, hardest-accelerating, cleanest-running GSX-R ever built.

It is also the lightest, the most compact, the most aerodynamic and the best-handling GSX-R1000 ever, with smoother throttle response and better combustion efficiency. It’s fitted with a supremely effective electronic engine management system that doesn’t require a degree in engineering to understand--and doesn’t need constant adjustment by a squad of computer technicians to work.

Above all, it is a GSX-R. By definition, it is built to run right and be reliable, and designed to help make each person fortunate enough to pilot the bike a better rider. By plan, it is engineered using experience gained during 30 Years of Domination in production-based Superbike, Superstock and Endurance races worldwide, combined with new proprietary technology developed in the MotoGP World Championship. CONTINUED HERE

MV Agusta and Pirelli, the new DIABLO ROSSO™ III and new Brutale 800:
a special project to celebrate ‘Made in Italy’The two Italian brands created a special version of the latest naked from the Schiranna-based company which selected the brand new Pirelli tyres as original equipment for this model

"Diablo Brutale", as this single unit has been renamed, is a tribute to design, craftsmanship, sportiveness and high technology of the latest supersport tyre of the DIABLO™ family

Varese/Milano, 17 May 2016 – MV Agusta and Pirelli have been working together for several decades and, since 2011, the
historic Italian motorcycle manufacturer has decided to rely only on the brand of the elongated P symbol to equip all its
models. MV Agusta and Pirelli are both well-known and appreciated brands all over the world: they have managed to make design and showcase ‘Made in Italy’. They combine maximum sportiveness and innovation, their core values which are recognised by all motor fans and, in this specific case, by motorcycle lovers.

On the one hand, the last technological evolution of the DIABLO™ range, the DIABLO ROSSO™ III, which is the new supersport
tyre from Pirelli, born from the track to the road, redefining the concept of sports riding taking it to the new level. Its strong
points are sports handling, a high level of grip also in the wet and with long lasting performance.

On the other hand the Brutale 800, a motorcycle whose original project dates back to 2001 and that – year after year – was
renovated in its style and spirit, to remain loyal to itself, and to its ability to amaze and conquer new generations of
enthusiasts. The new Brutale 800 is an example of Made in Italy technology that has dictated new design guidelines in its
segment.

The Diablo Brutale is a single unit of the new MV Agusta Brutale 800 which was born as a tribute to design, sportiveness and
high technology of the last supersport tyre of the Pirelli DIABLO™ family, which was chosen as original equipment for this
machine. It also celebrates the historical partnership between MV Agusta and Pirelli, two companies which have long and
worldwide appreciated traditions in the motorcycling world.

Diablo Brutale presents an attractive matt black color which is interrupted only by a luminous red as a reference to the tyre
logo. MV Agusta has decided to pay homage to the new Pirelli tyre through some graphical elements. The DIABLO ROSSO™ III
logo appears on the tank’s side, while the typical ‘thunder’ groove of the tread pattern, which represents a tyre’s trademark,
appears on the tank as well as on the front fender plus both sides of the tail. Both the Pirelli logo and the red “D” of DIABLO™
appear next to the MV Agusta logo on the top of the tank.

Pirelli has decided to equip this special with a set of DIABLO ROSSO™ III with a red color dedicated graphic, just like the details
that give the Brutale the unique spirit of the Diablo.

With the new Brutale 800, MV Agusta questioned the style, engine, equipment and chassis of the previous model with a
unique goal: giving birth to the best Brutale ever. The same goal achieved by Pirelli with the development of the DIABLO
ROSSO™ III, the direct descendent of the renowned and highly rated DIABLO ROSSO™ II, which raises the bar of sport riding
even higher than the previous model and extends the qualities of its predecessor, strengthening its features in terms of
handling and grip, with long lasting performance.

MV AGUSTA Files for Protection to Restructure Its DebtApril 1st , 2016 - There were reports that MV Agusta, the motorcycle manufacturer with considerable amounts of motorsport heritage, had filed for bankruptcy in its country of origin, Italy. This however isn’t true as the manufacturer, in a press release, says that it is only restructuring its finances. Certain online reports suggest that MV filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which is a type of bankruptcy that buys the company some time to turn its fortunes around, freezing loans and assessing and saving whatever positive assets might remain. This however was a certain website’s way of explaining to its American readers how the section works. MV, being an Italian company, doesn’t work according to the US bankruptcy laws.

The past two years have proved to be good for MV Agusta, with 25 per cent of the company being bought over by Mercedes-AMG, and with a claimed thirty per cent increase in international turnover. However, this hasn’t been enough to neutralise the debt that the Varese-based company is in.

In fact, this appears to be another low in a past that’s been peppered with highs and lows for the motorcycle maker once owned by Count Domenico Agusta. While they once won world championship titles under the Count’s supervision, the company wasn’t able to match the same quality in their production bikes, which in turn led to flagging sales. Although an attempt was made to revive the brand by Claudio Castiglioni, after which Harley-Davidson and Proton also tried to get the brand going, once again things didn’t quite go according to plan. MV Agusta today is once again in the hands of the Castiglioni family, with Claudio’s son Giovanni attempting to carry on his late father’s work. They have applied for insolvency and are currently looking to get more financiers on board. The company also plans to keep its R&D department in place and try and churn out motorcycles faster. It is also in the process of convincing Mercedes-AMG to increase its stake in the company and thereby pump in additional liquid cash. Mercedes-AMG currently hold a 25 per cent stake in MV Agusta.

MV Agusta is present in the Indian market through Moto Royale, a Kinetic Motors initiative. It is currently in the process of ramping up the number of dealerships as well as bringing in more models in the near future. When asked about the bankruptcy rumours, Ajinkya Firodia, MD of MV Agusta India, said that “MV Agusta has asked Moto Royale to inform any media that MV has not filed Chapter 11 or bankruptcy.”

Click for Larger View

Ducati Attends Motor Bike Expo of Verona
with the new 2016 XDiavel and All-New draXter Concept BikeBorgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy), 22 January 2016 - At the coming Motor Bike Expo of Verona January 22-24 Ducati will be exhibiting a further addition to its new for 2016 XDiavel cruiser world, the all-new draXter. This “concept bike” interprets the XDiavel world from a sports viewpoint. The project was developed by the Ducati Design Center's Advanced Design area, a section dedicated to exploring the future style and design concepts of Ducati motorcycles. This wild dragster inspired sports interpretation of the XDiavel world has been named the draXter

Their ideas and sketches have allowed the Ducati prototype department to come up with the draXter, starting from a standard production XDiavel. The beating heart of the draXter is that of an extreme dragster with premium racing componentry. This is particularly evident, for example, in the suspension and brakes, taken directly from the Panigale Superbike. This styling exercise has accentuated the lines and proportions of the XDiavel making them more extreme than ever and turning the draXter into a unique, breath-taking "racer".

The number 90 on the side of the Ducati draXter recalls the racing world, yet also pays homage to Ducati's 90th anniversary, being celebrated this year.

Triumph Annouches an All-New 2016 Watercooled Retro Motorcycle Linuep
Highlighted by the New 120cc Thruxton and Thruxton R Click any Picture to EnlargeNovember 1, 2015 - The Thruxton and Thruxton R are two of the five exciting motorcycles in the new 2016 Bonneville family - all with 100% authentic Bonneville character, truly modern capability and performance. Named after the legendary 500 mile Thruxton endurance race series and the Triumphs that dominated it, and which broke the first 100mph lap at the Isle of man TT, the Bonneville ‘Thruxton’ racers inspired a generation of teenage café racers and custom special builders.

The New Bonneville Model Line Up
Five all new Bonneville models - all with 100% authentic character, beautifully enhanced styling and truly modern performance. The Street Twin is our most contemporary, fun and accessible new Bonneville, powered by an all-new high torque 900cc engine. With its unique character, distinctive sound, stripped-back styling and dynamic riding experience, the new Street Twin is the perfect Bonneville for today’s rider and the perfect starting point for personalisation.

The timeless style and iconic character of the original 1959 model is reborn in the classy and authentic Bonneville T120 and effortless cool Bonneville T120 Black. Both crafted to the highest standard of detailing, quality and finish, and matched by the capability and performance of a truly modern classic. Powered by the all-new Bonneville 1200cc high torque engine, fed by beautiful, authentically styled, twin throttle bodies.

The new 1200cc Thruxton and Thruxton R are the real deal. With genuine poise, power and performance, they are the ultimate modern classic café racers. Both with beautifully imposing and authentic styling, they have the power, braking, performance and handling to live up to their legendary name. Continued Here

2016 LA Calendar Motorcyel Show returns to the Sagebrush Cantina on Saturday July 23rd
Mark your Caledar now to join us
- More Information Here

Now in the Calendar Bike Garage... The World's Coolest Naked Ducati!
Beauitful FastDates.com Calendar Kitten Sara takes us for a ride on the world's most exotic and expensive Ducati streetbike
ever - a $110,000 Vyrus NCR 983 Superleggera in the Calendar Bike Garage and in Members Corner.

New Edelweiss Motorcycle Tour - From Paris to Omaha, France Experience the ultimate tour cocktail: rich culture, great landscapes, picturesque villages and superb riding from Paris, the city of love, to the beaches of Brittany and Normandy. You can also join FastDates.com Editor Jim Gianatsis on the August 10-20th 2015 Tour.

Is there a more exciting city than Paris in which to start a tour? You will have the opportunity to visit all of the important sites this city is justly famous for. Backcountry roads will take you to great cultural locations, such as the renowned Châteaux of the Loire Valley. “End of Earth“ – that’s what the Romans called the western tip of the peninsula of Brittany. We will ride all the way to the end, exploring amazing coastal roads, small villages and beautiful beaches all along the way.

It is certainly one of the most diverse landscapes in France, offering rock cliffs and dunes on the seaside, and moors further inland. Beaches in the area are less populated than elsewhere and are counted amongst the most beautiful in France. History in the region can be traced back to 700,000 years ago and includes the ancient megalithic cultures and the Celtic tribal territories that existed before Roman rule. Today, numerous standing stones and monoliths testify to the rich and lengthy history of the region. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mont Saint-Michel is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular sites in France (and all of Europe, for that matter). A monastery and surrounding ancient village are nestled on a small rock off the mainland.

You will see beaches renowned for the military operations that occurred there, one of which is Omaha beach, and the vast war cemeteries, last resting places for thousands of soldiers. More beautiful coastal rides and interesting cities, such as Honfleur and Rouen, will complete our amazing tour, with Paris as our final destination. For complete Pricing, Bikes, and Booking Information visit the Edelweiss Website Here

New "Hitting The Apex" MotoGP Movie TrailerExciting new MotoGP Documentary Movie by Mark Neale and narrated by Brad Pit. Watch the trailer for Hitting the Apex, Mark Neale’s documentary that follows the battle for MotoGP supremacy between drivers Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, Marco Simoncelli and Marc Marquez. The film is narrated by Brad Pitt and features exclusive footage and interviews. Hitting the Apex is in cinemas from September 2 and available on DVD and Blu-Ray from September 7th, 2015.

The Official SBK
2015-2016 YearbookThese SBK Yearbooks are the Best Books Ever about World Superbike. They feature wesome color photography of the riders, bike and racing action. The feature a deailed revue of the past season in pictures and stactics, awith a detailed look at the bikes and riders.

Plus a technical look data all the bikes, a preview of the upcoming season's Championship!
We buy this every year ourselves and highly recommend it!

2014-2015 Yearbook

SBK World Superbike Video Game

Official Print Media Partner

Luis Salom dies from Catalunya MotoGP 2 Practice Accident
Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya, Friday 3rd June 2016 - Following an incident during today’s Moto2 Free Practice 2 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, it is with great sadness that we have to report the passing of Luis Salom (SAG Team).

The session was red flagged with just under 25 minutes remaining after the Spanish rider fell at turn 12.

Two medical cars and then two ambulances were immediately on scene to treat the 24-year-old and the medical helicopter was also deployed to assist in his treatment.

Due the severity of his condition, the decision was taken to transfer Salom by road to the nearby Hospital General de Catalunya. On arrival, he underwent surgery, but despite the best efforts of the trauma team, he passed away at 1655pm local time.

Salom made his World Championship debut at Jerez in 2009 in the 125cc category. He finished on the podium in 25 races, including nine victories in the Moto3 World Championship. He finished the 2012 Moto3 World Championship in second position in the standings and a year later was third overall after battling with Maverick Vinales and Alex Rins down to the final round in Valencia.

He also finished on the podium three times in 41 appearances in the Moto2 World Championship, including a second place pace in the opening round of 2016 at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar.

The FIM, Dorna, IRTA, RFME and the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya wishes to pass on its condolences to the family, friends and team of Salom.

With a couple of weeks off between rounds four and five of the 2016 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Roadracing Championship, the timing was right for Cameron to fly to England and climb aboard the Pata Yamaha WorldSBK YZF-R1. He will be teamed with Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK rider Alex Lowes next weekend at Donington Park on the Leicestershire border for round seven of the Superbike World Championship.

Commenting on the exciting opportunity for the 23-year-old rider from Roseville, California, Cameron said, “I feel really fortunate that the Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team is giving me this opportunity to be a part of the team for the weekend while Sylvain is healing up. I'm also thankful that Yamaha U.S. is allowing me to do this in the middle of our MotoAmerica season! It will be a tough weekend, with lots of learning, but I'm going to do my best and have fun!”

“This is a great opportunity for Cameron,” McCarty said. “It’s a perfect example of how our Yamaha bLU cRU rider support program is working to prepare and promote Yamaha riders here in the U.S. to compete on the world stage. Cameron raced in a round of the German Superbike Championship last year, and competing for the Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team at Donington next weekend will be another big step in his racing career. All of us at Yamaha U.S. are proud of Cameron, and we’ll definitely be cheering him on!”

Sykes And Kawasaki Racing Team Continue Their Strong Partnership
June 20th, 2016 - 2013 FIM Superbike World Champion for Kawasaki, Tom Sykes, will continue his successful relationship with KRT and KHI for another two years after making a new agreement with the Japanese factory to be a key member of the overall Ninja ZX-10R racing project, both on and off-track.

Having formed such a successful partnership with Kawasaki in the past few years, culminating in his championship win in 2013, Sykes will continue to be an integral part of the Kawasaki racing and development program around the awesome Ninja ZX-10R. Tom’s commitment to the Kawasaki cause has been evident ever since he first rode a WorldSBK spec Ninja back in 2010, and he has collected an enviable list of achievements along the way.

Sykes has now taken 30 race wins, and all but one of his 76 career podium finishes, on ZX-10R machines. Tom has also set the second highest ever record of Superpole qualifying wins, which reached 36 at the most recent round in Misano. He has also set 30 fastest laps during WorldSBK races and has been twice a runner-up in the championship, in addition to his headlining success in 2013.

In making a new agreement with Kawasaki’s official squad Tom is now intent on continuing his career at the highest level of production-derived racing, with the most successful WorldSBK team and machine of recent times. Once more Tom will join up alongside his current KRT team-mate Jonathan Rea, who also recently re-signed.

Tom Sykes stated: “I am really excited to have made a further commitment with KRT and KHI. It’s a great feeling to be back with such a great team for another two years. We have already shown the capabilities of the latest model Ninja ZX-10R this season and there is a lot of potential still to come from the bike. I think it is safe to say that we have the best all-round package in the FIM Superbike World Championship and I would like to thank KHI for showing their continued commitment to me as a rider. As well as the bike and the on-track performance I have been part of the Kawasaki family for seven years so it was really natural to continue that relationship. To carry on working with my dedicated crew - Marcel, Danilo, Mattia, Raul, Tambu and Ruben and all my other valued colleagues and friends in the team - was priceless as they are widely recognized as the pick of the crop in the WorldSBK paddock.

I get so much support from the brilliant fans and passionate Kawasaki owners that it was also a positive decision to make to remain part of that. Another important thing is to continue the development program, for the road bike and the race bike side of things, which is something I feel an integral part of. The technical aspect of working with the team and KHI is deeply satisfying to me, not just the successes on track.”

JONATHAN REA AND KAWASAKI TOGETHER FOR TWO MORE YEARS
May 12th 2016 - Reigning FIM Superbike World Champion Jonathan Rea has re-signed with Kawasaki’s official KRT effort to compete for two more years on the class-leading latest model Ninja ZX-10R.
Committing to extend their mutually beneficial partnership into the future, both Rea and Kawasaki aim to continue the kind of success that delivered Rea the championship in his first KRT season last year.
Jonathan leads the current WorldSBK championship standings by 35 points after five rounds of the 2016 season have been completed.

JONATHAN REA (Kawasaki Racing Team Rider): “I am so happy to extend this partnership with the Kawasaki Racing Team and continue the great relationship I have with all the Kawasaki engineers and fans. It is clear that our objectives and way of working are very well matched so it makes perfect sense to extend this for two more seasons. With all the incredible memories we have made so far and are now creating, I am 100% confident that we will enjoy working together and develop the Ninja ZX-10R into the future. I would like to thank Kawasaki and all the KRT staff for their full support and belief in my potential. With this in mind I am now even more focused than ever to win the World SBK Championship in 2016 to make it back to back wins.”

Andrea Dovizioso confirmed alonside Jorge Lorenzo in Ducati MotoGP Team for 2017 and 2018
May 17th - Ducati wishes to announce that it has reached an agreement with Andrea Dovizioso for the 2017 and 2018 MotoGP seasons. The Romagna-born rider, who has been with Ducati since 2013, will team up with Jorge Lorenzo for the next two seasons aboard the Ducati Team’s Desmosedici GP bike.

Andrea Dovizioso: “I am very satisfied to have reached this agreement with Ducati and to be able to continue the adventure begun back with them in 2013. In the last few years we have worked with a lot of commitment and we have succeeded in taking the Desmosedici GP to an excellent competitive level, and so I am convinced that soon we will obtain the satisfaction that we deserve.”

The 2016 championship will therefore be Andrea Iannone’s final season with the Ducati Team. The Abruzzo-born rider, after two years in the “factory-supported” Pramac Racing outfit, moved to the factory team in 2015, immediately showing his great talent and pace, and he will undoubtedly give his utmost in the remaining rounds of the season in order to conclude his experience in Ducati in the best possible way.

Andrea Iannone: “Obviously I am sorry that my time with Ducati will draw to a close at the end of this season, but I am grateful to the Bologna manufacturer for the opportunity it has given me in the last few years. I made my MotoGP debut with Ducati and I have grown up with them, always succeeding in improving my level of performance. In the remaining races I will give my all, as I always do, because I am convinced that thanks to the competitiveness of the Desmosedici GP we can achieve some great results.”

Luigi Dall’Igna: “It’s never easy to take a decision like this one, especially when you have two great riders like the two Andreas in your team. We are very happy that Dovizioso has agreed to stay with us for the next two years, and together with him we can continue the successful work we began four years ago in order to reach the ambitious aims we have set for ourselves. We are sorry for Andrea Iannone, who at the end of the season will no longer be a part of the team. Andrea has carried out an important job in these years and has made a significant contribution to the development of the Ducati Desmosedici GP. For this reason we would like to thank him and we will provide him with our maximum commitment in the next rounds of the championship, in order to obtain the prestigious results that are for sure within his reach.”

Reigning world champion Jorge Lorenzo will join Ducati MotoGP Team at the end of the season after seven years at Yamaha. Maverick Viñales tipped to replace him.
April 21st - Three-time Moto GP world champion Jorge Lorenzo will join Ducati from Yamaha on a two-year contract at the end of the current 2016 campaign, the two teams confirmed on Monday.

The move is something of a coup for the freshly-returned team given that Lorenzo is the reigning champion, and rather daring for an Italian team given Lorenzo's bitter rivalry with his current Yamaha teammate, the hugely popular Italian Valentino Rossi.

"Ducati has reached an agreement with Jorge Lorenzo for the Spanish rider to race the world championship Moto GP for 2017 and 2018," a Ducati statement read.

The Spanish sports press reported widely that Lorenzo, who won 41 top level races with Yamaha, will be paid 25 million euros ($28 million) for the two-year term at Ducati.
The Japanese team with whom the 28-year-old Mallorcan has spent the past seven seasons wished their champion well.

"Yamaha is extremely grateful for Jorge's contributions to its racing successes and looks forward to sharing more memorable moments during the remaining 15 MotoGP rounds of 2016," they said in an official statement.

Twice a champion at 250cc, Lorenzo won the MotoGP world title in 2010, 2012, and in 2015 after a bitter struggle with Rossi, who accused a second Spaniard, Marc Márquez, of teaming up with Lorenzo to prevent him winning last year's crown in a story that dominated the sport for months.

As Yamaha extended Rossi's deal for two years in March it was suspected that Lorenzo's deal would be allowed to run out.
Although Yamaha have yet to confirm a new partner for Rossi, Spain's up-and-coming 21-year-old Maverick Viñales, currently with Suzuki, is tipped to be that man.

Dorna Turns Down 5 New Team Entry Requests into MotoGP for 2017 due tp lack of Available factory bikes
Monday, 02 May 2016 - On the 21st of March it was announced that applications from existing MotoGP Championship teams to provide a 24th entry in the MotoGP class from 2017 would be invited. The deadline for applications was the 29th of April, on which date the Selection Committee, comprising delegates of FIM, IRTA and Dorna would consider the applications.

Expressions of interest were received from five teams who were then provided with more comprehensive details of the requirements and the financial conditions.

Three teams subsequently submitted official applications for consideration.

The Selection Committee considered the applications and concluded that all three had merit and each, in slightly different ways, had elements that could enhance the MotoGP class.

However, alongside the application process, discussions were also conducted with the Manufacturers to establish the likely availability of competitive machinery for the extra entry. The conclusion from these discussions was that there was reluctance amongst the existing Manufacturers to commit to making additional equipment available, at least for 2017.

It has therefore reluctantly been decided to postpone a decision on the allocation of the additional entry to a later season.

FIM, IRTA and Dorna wish to thank the teams who complied with the application process and apologise that the offer has had to be withdrawn.

Jorge Lorenzo teams up with Ducati in MotoGP for 2017 and 2018
April 18th, 2016 - Ducati announces that it has reached an agreement with current factory Yamaha rider and reigning 2015 MotoGP World Champion Jorge Lorenzo which will see the Spanish rider will take part in the MotoGP World Championship in 2017 and 2018 aboard the Ducati Desmosedici GP of the Ducati Team.
Lorenzo, born in Palma de Mallorca on 4 May 1987, has won five world championship titles throughout his racing career (250cc in 2006 and 2007 and MotoGP in 2010, 2012 and 2015).

2016 SBK Calendar Update
Monza Round Cancelled The FIM and DWO would like to announce the cancellation of the 2016 WorldSBK Italian Round that was to be held at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza during the weekend of the 22nd – 24th July.

Regarding the changes needed to bring the WorldSBK paddock back to Monza, all the bodies involved have requested the FIM and DWO for the time required in order to further analyze the project, with a view to confirming its feasibility in the near future.
(We assume the cancellation was for the ned for track safety upgrades. -Ed)

DWO would further like to announce that the substitute circuit contract with Vallelunga will not be activated, due to scheduling difficulties and the required modifications to the venue that would enable Vallelunga to host a Round of WorldSBK.

At this time, a replacement venue for this Italian Round of the Championship is still being evaluated. Confirmation of both the location and date of the replacement will be provided before the 1st of May, to enable final confirmation of the 2016 WorldSBK Calendar.

Yamaha and Valentino Rossi Extend Contract for 2 More Yeas Through 2018
Losail (Qatar), 19th March 2016 - It is with great pleasure that Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. confirms that Valentino Rossi will remain a part of the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP team‘s rider line-up for the MotoGP World Championship season of 2017 and 2018.

The announcement comes after three very strong years by the most-respected MotoGP rider of all time, since his return to Yamaha in 2013.

Rossi has had a very special bond with his beloved YZR-M1 starting from his first race with Yamaha at Welkom Circuit, South Africa, in 2004, which ended in an iconic win. The combination of ’the Doctor‘ and the YZR-M1 has gone from strength to strength since and together they secured four titles and 53 Grand Prix wins over ten seasons.

With fifteen brilliant podiums and four strong GP victories in the last year, Yamaha is confident in their partnership with Valentino Rossi and looks forward to being a serious title contender for 2016 and the following seasons.

Nicky Hayden was inducted into the MotoGP™ World Championship Hall of Fame at the Valencia GP.
The 2006 MotoGP™ World Champion Nicky Hayden was inducted into the World Championship Hall of Fame as the 22nd MotoGP™ Legend by Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta in a ceremony held at the final round of the 2015 season in Valencia.

The American announced earlier in the season that he would leave the premier class at the end of the year in order to compete in WorldSBK in 2016.

A three-time Grand Prix winner, Nicky Hayden clinched the 2006 title with Repsol Honda, ending Valentino Rossi's streak of 5 consecutive titles from 2001 to 2005. The popular American will leave the category after 216 Grand Prix appearances, and throughout his illustrious career the ‘Kentucky Kid’ has been on the podium 28 times, posted 7 race fastest laps and taken 5 pole positions.

Nicky Hayden: “It is really is a great honour to receive this. I do not take it lightly, I know there are people in this club with more illustrious careers and who have obviously won more than me, but regardless I got in there! I am very happy. I mean for 13 years it was eat, breathe and sleep MotoGP. It's been an amazing ride. Of course these last two years have been tough, but I've enjoyed every minute of it, worked with some great teams and rode some great bikes.

I'd just like to thank everybody who has supported me through it all, my teams and my family, I appreciate it all. Thanks also to Carmelo; I think MotoGP - as much as the last weeks have been a little negative - is in a great place. The sport is bigger and better than ever, the tracks are safer and the young talent keeps getting younger and faster. So the future is very bright.”

Carmelo Ezpeleta – CEO of Dorna Sports: “For all of us, it's a great pleasure to give Nicky this award - this is not just because you've been Champion and you're one of the riders with most starts in the premier class, but also for your behaviour over all those years, your sportsmanship and your friendship. It's a great pleasure to consider you one of our legends. Thank you for all you've done for the sport in all those years.”

MV Agusta F3 800cc

The Devil Made Us Do It!
Testing the Ducati Diavel in Italy

New BMW HP4 Superbike

High Speed - the Movie
The best motorcycle racing movie ever made! Filmed on location at the World Superbike races , this an exciting romantic drama staring beautiful British actress Sienna Miller.

Order the Official
FastDates.com &
LA Calendar Bike Show
T-Shirts!

MotoAmerica Needs You!
Road Racing Series Looking For Volunteers For New Season
COSTA MESA, CA, JAN. 19 - MotoAmerica is looking for a few good men. And women. With the new season rapidly approaching, MotoAmerica is seeking volunteers who want to assist the series and be a part of the action that is the 2016 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Series.

So would you like to help organize and run the 2016 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship? MotoAmerica will provide training, camping options, guest and parking passes, plus lunch on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at each event.

"Last year we had a great turnout of volunteers who helped us with our events in our debut season," said MotoAmerica race operations manager Niccole Cox. "Like MotoGP and World Superbike, we use volunteers to help our staff and it's a system that works well. We really attracted some quality people last year and we're hoping for more of the same this coming season. It's a lot of fun to work with the new people and see how much they enjoy working the races from the inside."

Positions are available at all nine events for track, tire, and grid marshals, technical control, and registration staff. Here is a brief description of those positions:

* Track Marshal: Provides support with motorcycle recovery in the event of a crash or mechanical failure. The race director relies heavily on having a team of well disciplined and competent marshals.

* Grid Marshal: Assists Chief Steward help riders follow practice and qualifying procedures and make sure their motorcycles are positioned correctly on the grid for race starts as well as monitors for potential safety risks on the race start.

To apply for one or more of these positions, click on the following link to got to the appropriate page on their website www.MotoAmerica.com

World Supersport on the Verge of Change for 2016
The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), FIM Europe and DWO are pleased to announce that a new exciting format will be introduced for the upcoming season.

The 2016 edition of the FIM Superbike World Championship will witness a historical change for the important and renowned World Supersport class.

After successfully introducing technical and sporting rule changes in the World Superbike class for 2015, it is time now on focusing efforts on the middleweight series.

In what is its third year as promoter and organiser of the series, Dorna is constantly working side by side with the FIM, teams and manufacturers to ensure the series maintains and improves its level in line with the changes in the motorcycle industry and worldwide economy.

In 2016, the FIM Supersport World Championship will feature new technical rules that will result in major cost saving for the teams involved. The WSS machines’ preparation will be similar in all ways to the ones used in the most important national championships, easing the way for local teams to take part in selected races with wildcard rides and increasing the competition between participants.

Furthermore, a new series within the major Championship – following the same technical regulations as the main tier of World Supersport - will be created, which will be dedicated to teams aiming to take part in the European rounds only to promote young talents at much reduced cost. This will provide a chance for a selected number of smaller further teams to increase their visibility on the world stage – with a massive boost in terms of TV presence and appeal – while the riders will have a chance to compete head to head with some of the established stars of World Supersport. The name of the complementary series is yet to be revealed.

As a consequence of this fundamental revamping of World Supersport, the Superstock 600 class will cease to exist.

Ignacio Verneda, FIM CEO: "The modification of the technical regulations in Supersport to reduce costs and increase the participation of riders was logical after the success achieved in World Superbike following similar changes. We are convinced that this step is important for the future of the Supersport class.

Dr. Wolfgang Srb, FIM Europe President: “The promotion of young and hopeful riders has always been high on our agenda. We believe in series that pave - at affordable costs - the way from National via European Championships to the pinnacle of every sport: the World Championship. I am happy that Dorna shares the view of the “pyramid model” and offers with the new Supersport class an attractive European Road Racing series for talented riders. However, I like to underline the fact that the series will be open for riders from all continents. A strong and close competition is paramount for success.”

Javier Alonso, WorldSBK Executive Director: “We are happy to announce these major changes to the sporting and technical sides of the FIM Supersport World Championship. We are confident that the new format will bring further and fresh excitement to the series as well as a whole new set of opportunities for teams and young riders with the talent and desire to build a path upwards in motorcycle racing.”

The new Technical Rules for the FIM Supersport World Championship will be available soon on the FIM Website.

Motul announced as new WorldSBK Title Sponsor
Solid agreement signed for the next five seasons, from 2016 to 2020.
Marc Saurina, WSBK Commercial and Marketing Director with Roman Grabowski, Motul Motorsport Manager
Details of the agreement between Dorna Group and Motul were revealed at Magny-Cours last Friday during the penultimate round of the 2015 WorldSBK season. Representatives Romain Grabowski of Motul and Marc Saurina of Dorna formally announced to the gathered media and fans the new-look, long-term partnership which will see the Championship invigorated from the start of next year.

Motul, the French company producing high-performance motor oils and industrial lubricants, has a long history in motorsports. It is a key partner for both the FIM and Dorna Group and will make its debut in WorldSBK in 2016, as Title Sponsor of the Championship.

Starting from the forthcoming new season, the series will feature a dedicated combined championship logo in all of its adaptations, as well as a brand-new Motul-SBK product range. This will be launched during the first quarter of next season and is aimed at customers who expect the very best.

In the meantime, racing oils and lubricants will be available for the teams competing in WorldSBK, putting a perfect combination of racing knowledge and skills at the end users’ disposal.

Motul has embraced the essence of the SBK Experience and it is now going to offer its guests the closest motorcycle racing experience ever with proximity and accessibility being the key words.

Motul products will be on display within the Paddock for all the Superbike fans attending the races, making this a full partnership which involves fans, teams and Motul guests.

Romain Grabowski, Motul Motorsport Manager said: “We are really delighted to add WorldSBK to the list of motorcycling disciplines we support on a worldwide basis. As with the FIM EWC, WorldSBK teams will be able to use the Motul Factory Line range which is dedicated to racing and which benefits from knowledge gained from the major manufacturers’ use of experimental products in MotoGP. This 360° partnership includes the launch of a WorldSBK by Motul product which will be destined for fans of the championship, and we’ve also got a brand-new ‘Motul SBK Experience’ concept which from 2016 will allow us to offer our customers a unique experience at each of the season’s races. We can’t wait for this 2016 campaign to begin!”.

Marc Saurina, WSBK Commercial and Marketing Director says: “It is a great pleasure for us to see such an important brand in the history of motorsports joining with WorldSBK’s core values. Motul is the perfect partner with whom to develop our concept of brand experience, having a close proximity to the very DNA of production-based motorcycling.”